### **Basic Information** - **Name:** [[Aldori Swordlords]] - **Alias/Nicknames:** The Swordlords, Masters of the Dueling Blade - **Type:** Warrior Order, Noble Fencing Tradition - **Symbol/Emblem:** A stylized longsword with an elegantly curved hilt, often paired with the crest of [[Restov]] or the Aldori name in elaborate calligraphy. - **Headquarters/Base of Operations:** [[Restov]], [[Brevoy]] - **Scale & Reach:** Regional influence within [[Brevoy]], with significant impact on the [[River Kingdoms]] and beyond. ### **Purpose & Goals** - **Primary Objective:** To maintain the legacy of swordsmanship and independence, resisting foreign rule and ensuring the survival of the Aldori way. - **Core Ideology:** The Aldori way emphasizes honor, precision, and self-reliance, valuing skill over brute force. - **Methods & Operations:** - Intensive training in Aldori dueling techniques. - Political maneuvering within [[Brevoy]] and the [[River Kingdoms]]. - Supporting independent rulers and leaders who align with their philosophy. - Encouraging students to prove their worth through battle and diplomacy. - **Notable Activities:** - Training elite duelists. - Defending against threats to [[Restov]]’s autonomy. - Engaging in personal and political duels to settle disputes. ### **Structure & Leadership** - **Leader(s):** Lady [[Jamandi Aldori]] is currently the most influential Swordlord. - **Hierarchy & Ranks:** - **Swordlord:** The highest rank, only achieved by the most skilled. - **Dueling Masters:** Senior warriors who teach and guide students. - **Initiates & Apprentices:** New recruits who undergo rigorous training. - **Recruitment & Membership:** - Selective, favoring individuals with exceptional reflexes, discipline, and tactical intelligence. - Often drawn from noble families, mercenaries, or ambitious warriors. - **Key Figures:** - **Lady [[Jamandi Aldori]]:** A noblewoman of great influence, seeking to maintain the Aldori traditions while navigating the political chaos of [[Brevoy]]. ### **Influence & Power** - **Allies & Affiliations:** - The Free City of [[Restov]]. - Certain noble factions within [[Brevoy]] that support autonomy. - Independent rulers and adventurers who align with their ideals. - **Enemies & Rivalries:** - The Brevoyan Crown ([[House Surtova]]) due to historical tensions. - Rival dueling schools that attempt to claim supremacy. - **Reputation & Public Perception:** - Seen as paragons of martial discipline and honor. - Admired by warriors and scholars but resented by those who view them as arrogant or elitist. - **Military/Magical Strength:** - Unmatched dueling ability and tactical finesse. - Trained in both one-on-one combat and battlefield strategy. - Some members develop magical techniques that enhance their blade work. ### **History & Lore** - **Founding & Origins:** - Founded by Baron [[Sirian Aldori]] centuries ago as a response to threats from [[Brevoy]] and the [[River Kingdoms]]. - Their martial tradition became legendary, defining the warrior elite of [[Restov]]. - **Major Historical Events:** - The Aldori-Surtova Conflict, which saw the fall of many Swordlords but solidified their legend. - Their role in training champions and aiding independent rulers. - **Scandals & Secrets:** - Internal duels and betrayals have occasionally led to fractures within the order. - Some Swordlords seek power for personal ambition rather than honor. - **Current Struggles:** - The uncertain political future of [[Brevoy]] and its divided noble houses. - The need to secure allies, including rising powers like [[Rivermarch]]. ### **Culture & Traditions** - **Core Values & Ethics:** - Honor above all, but tempered with pragmatism. - Self-mastery and continuous improvement. - A belief in personal sovereignty and the right to forge one's destiny. - **Rituals & Initiations:** - Prospective members must endure a grueling trial-by-combat. - The highest honor is earning the title of **Swordlord** through a formal duel before a council of peers. - **Notable Sayings/Mottos:** - "Steel before silver, honor before life." - "One blade, one master, one destiny." - **Symbols of Authority:** - The Aldori dueling sword, a custom-crafted, masterwork weapon. - Intricate sashes denoting rank and achievement. ### **Additional Notes** - **Vibe & Inspirations:** - Inspired by **Japanese samurai**, **Renaissance duelists**, and **Arthurian knights**. - A blend of old-world chivalry with frontier independence. - **Adventure Hooks:** - [[Rivermarch]] could seek their aid in military training. - A rogue Aldori duelist might challenge a PC to a duel. - Brevoyan politics could force them to take sides in a larger conflict.